NASHUA, NH – “There are a handful of areas … that have a large chunk of your commercial land area of the city that the comprehensive plan has identified as redevelopment focus areas,” said Russel Preston, director of Principal Group who led the conversation on commercial redevelopment during the first Code Week workshop Tuesday morning.
These areas include the Amherst Street Corridor, Daniel Webster College, Broad Street, Northeastern Boulevard, Beazer Site, East Hollis Street, Main Street, and Daniel Webster Highway.
He asked, “If a building in one of those areas was going to be demolished and something were to be rebuilt, what would you want to see? What are your thoughts on that?”
Among the two dozen or so who attended, many expressed the desire for lifestyle center development, with boutiques, cafes and restaurants – a concept similar to Legacy Place in Dedham, MA, as someone mentioned.
This could prevent people from going to other towns for shopping, eating and other activities, as it was said that many do. It was suggested that such a concept could be developed on the Amherst Street Corridor.
More green space and parks as well as improved walkability were also mentioned.
“People want more character,” one person said. “Character [and] charm] I think is drawing the younger generations right now.”
Others disagreed with this idea, saying that boutique-type stores would be “destined to fail.”
It was said that Nashua is a car centric city, and making it more walking-centric is not realistic and would hinder development.
Other priorities among the community included affordable housing and mixed use areas and commercial properties.
The need for preserving historical sites and how this would affect development came up briefly toward the end of the workshop. Discussion on this topic could be expected to continue further in future workshops this week.
May 8
- 9-10 a.m. at the Hunt Memorial Library – All about redeveloping downtown to foster sustainable growth. Redevelopment incentives and regulatory tools will be explored, and examples of undesirable development elsewhere will be examined to strategize ways to prevent such pitfalls in Nashua.
- 7-8 p.m. at the Hunt Memorial Library – The final workshop focuses on redeveloping post-industrial areas. The community will discuss which zones should remain industrial and which should be converted into walkable neighborhoods at the Hunt Memorial Library
May 10 – closing presentation and code party at MakeIt Labs from 7 to 8 p.m. A new zoning map will be presented as well as draft codes and key policies. The community will have the opportunity to give feedback, ask questions and share comments and concerns.
Other posts to check out:
Resident council at Maynard Homes voice concerns and desires for NHRA’s redevelopment
Aldermen: RFP for Elm Street Middle School property to include provisions for affordable housing, Keefe Auditorium
Nashua Police Department recruits social worker to help better serve the community
Community activists call upon Board of Alderman to pass a ceasefire resolution for the war in Palestine
Recovery home on Archery Lane prompts discussion on city ordinances and stigma surrounding mental health
Human Affairs Committee held public hearing and approved CDBG Annual Action Plan
Administrative Services Director Tim Cummings gives update on assessing department
May 6-10: Help shape Nashua’s future during re-Code Week public workshops